Virginia Bride features weddings weekly here on the blog. Being featured in the blog does not necessarily mean they are featured in the print magazine.
FIANCÉE: Madilyn Kazmucha, 24, Editor
FIANCÉ: Bryce Andrew Carter, 23, Underwriter
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Forest, Virginia
VENUES:
Proposal: Thunder Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Engagement Party: Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Engagement Session: The Trails at Cornerstone, Lynchburg, Virginia
LOVE STORY
Bryce and Madilyn’s extraordinary love story had a humble beginning – a serendipitous blind date in December 2021, during their third year at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Set up by their well-meaning friends, they embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. Bryce, with eager anticipation, arrived to sweep Madilyn off her feet for a charming coffee date at a nearby Starbucks. Little did they know, this would start a truly magical journey.
About a month into their relationship, Bryce and Madilyn declared their love for one another. Bryce values Madilyn’s humility, caring nature and sense of humor, while Madilyn admires Bryce for his gentleness and humility.
PROPOSAL
Bryce’s proposal to Madilyn was a beautiful surprise that unfolded on a spring day in 2023 at the stunning Thunder Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Leading up to the proposal, Bryce organized several surprise dates to keep Madilyn guessing about when he might pop the question. On the day of the proposal, Madilyn thought they were going for a simple mountain picnic. Little did she know, Bryce had orchestrated a much grander surprise. He had meticulously planned for friends to be waiting at the overlook to capture the special moment on camera. When he got down on one knee and asked, “Madilyn, will you marry me?” it was a beautiful and unforgettable scene. And, without a doubt, Madilyn emphatically said, “Yes.”
The engagement ring Bryce gave Madilyn is genuinely unique. The center-round-cut diamond in the ring holds immense sentimental value. It was handed down to Bryce by his great-aunt and had been the centerpiece of her wedding band. The expert jeweler skillfully placed the valuable family diamond in a beautiful rose gold ring with an elegant design featuring an infinity-style diamond setting.
After the surprise proposal, Bryce and Madilyn returned to Liberty University to celebrate their engagement with family and friends. It was a perfect day!
ENGAGEMENT PARTY
The engagement celebration for Bryce and Madilyn was fantastic! It followed their lovely proposal and was held in the comfortable “Living Room” at the Spiritual Development office, located on the Liberty University campus. The space was stunning with engagement-themed decorations, including “she said yes!” signs, mouthwatering cupcakes and delightful cookies.
Bryce orchestrated their fabulous surprise engagement party, bringing together all their closest friends and family members. The best part? His parents even flew in from Florida. Madilyn’s family pulled off an incredible feat by traveling from Indiana to participate in the celebration. Their love and support made the event even more unique, creating a heartwarming and unforgettable celebration of love and togetherness that everyone felt a part of!
ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION
Bryce and Madilyn celebrated their love with a stunning engagement photo session at The Trails at Cornerstone in Lynchburg, Virginia in the summer of 2023. They chose a scenic trail near Madilyn’s apartment in Lynchburg as the backdrop for their unforgettable photoshoot. Following a recommendation from their photographer, Caylie Beth, the couple decided to schedule the photo session during the golden hour. They wanted to create stunning and memorable photos with a warm and captivating ambiance.
“The trail was simply stunning, with lush greenery and a charming stream running under a picturesque bridge,” Madilyn said. “We often encounter deer, birds and other wildlife, adding to the place’s natural beauty.”
Madilyn looked radiant in a simple, flowing white dress with delicate ruffles and elegant white sandals. Her sole accessory was a stunning gold heart-shaped necklace. Meanwhile, Bryce looked dapper in a crisp white polo, khakis and stylish white shoes. Together, they effortlessly embodied the spirit of the wedding season in their coordinated white attire!
ADVICE
Bryce and Madilyn received insightful wedding advice as they began planning for their big day, which truly paid off. “We decided to choose three things that truly mattered to us as a couple. We refused to compromise on quality time with our families, the wedding party and our dream honeymoon destination, Maui, Hawaii. Focusing on these priorities made all the other decisions much easier!”
WEDDING PLANS
Bryce and Madilyn tied the knot on May 12, 2024, at the beautiful Glencliff Manor in Rustburg, Virginia, surrounded by a hundred of their closest friends and family. To top it off, they jetted to Maui, Hawaii, for their dreamy honeymoon! Stay tuned for an upcoming blog where we will spill all the enchanting details of their big day.
VENDORS
VENUE: The Trails at Cornerstone, Lynchburg, VA https://maps.app.goo.gl/BkJFGaWUix3KsjTd9
PHOTOGRAPHY: Caylie Beth Photography – @cayliebethphotos
https://www.cayliebethphotography.com
PROPOSAL: Thunder Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA
https://www.nps.gov/places/thunder-ridge.htm
ENGAGEMENT PARTY VENUE: Liberty University – @libertyuniversity https://www.liberty.edu
ENGAGEMENT RING: Jewelry Repair Stone Cutting & Coins, Pinellas Park, FL
ATTIRE: Amazon – @amazonfashion
SHOES: Steve Madden – @stevemadden
WEDDING VENUE: Glencliff Manor – @glencliffmanor https://www.glencliffmanor.com
COFFEE: Starbucks, Lynchburg, VA – @starbucks https://www.starbucks.com
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
